thank you new orleans..posted april 2009 fb

After posting some photos from my recent trip down south I realized that the beauty in this experience was not only in the visual but in the people of New Orleans themselves. There were numerous occasions when my travel buddy and I remarked about the selfless kindness and joy shared by so many strangers in such a unique place. The locals are so proud of their city and they do not want you to miss a beat...literally.

One afternoon while sitting in Pirate's Alley and sipping absinthe, we met two local musicians. Mike, a pianist/vocalist/composer, saw my friend and I taking a photo of our drink and walked over to offer his photographic services. As we began to meet and greet we ended up talking about the music scene in the french quarter. His fiancee, a jazz vocalist, suggested some great venues to catch before we left. It was a no "brainer" that we had to go hear Mike play at the Old Blacksmith bar that very evening.

Try to picture a place that used to be a true blacksmith shop. There was no electricity to speak of, except for the sound hookup, and candles illuminating the bar of brick walls and gardens. No distinct faces could be seen, only silhouettes against the back drop of the music.... the blues to be exact. It was a perfect way to kick off a night of listening in New Orleans.

More days and nights of lazy conversation about the magic of this place were to follow. We headed out to the garden district and felt the serenity and peace of a place just outside the city. While on a walk in the park, we met a dad and his daughter visiting Tulane. She was recently accepted and was trying to decide if this was the school for her next four years of life. After talking for a while about the many reasons Tulane seemed wonderful for a young aspiring student we discovered that the dad was formerly married to a Manhattan School of Music Grad and he and his daughter were about to sit in on a music class. We connected once more and talked about the magic of all the live music streaming from street to street in New Orleans.

And then there was the couple from the bistro at the table next to us. As we consumed an entire tray of craw fish, we talked more about the lazy energy of this electric city and about the evening music scene on Frenchman Street. The couple had been there before and could not say enough and as we later discovered, neither could we. That evening we headed over to the Spotted Cat Jazz Bar on Frenchman and heard a very traditional jazz set....and then another...and another. The combo was perfect in every way. I am always amazed when watching true jazz musicians soak up the bliss and love of their craft. They deeply feel and share their love of this incredible thing called "music" with anyone who cares to listen. I was so glad I was able to be part of their sharing experience that night. I felt it all. I heard some of their soul and mine too. We ended the evening across the street from Spotted Cat dancing to a live funk band. Perfection.

From Preservation Hall to the corners of streets and doorways alike soulful LIVE music is everywhere you turn. It enhances all of your senses and then some while taking in the beauty of the French Quarter of New Orleans.

It is no wonder the locals are so proud of their home and never hesitate to tell you what to see, hear or taste next. This little niche of our nation is a reminder of why living and experiencing all there is in life and cherishing every beautiful moment is the only way to live.... So easy to forget but so important to remember.

I will always remember what New Orleans shared with my friend Lisa and I and hope that someday it can share itself with one of you.